A320 crew familiar at LAX discovered recent construction has changed various taxiways resulting in a taxiway incursion.
Synopsis
A320 crew familiar at LAX discovered recent construction has changed various taxiways resulting in a taxiway incursion.
Narrative
First Officer was pilot flying and briefed for visual approach backed up by the ILS approach to Runway 25L at LAX. Briefing included expected runway exit plan to taxi to gate from a landing on 25L. On approximately 20 mile final; our clearance got changed to Runway 24R. After landing; the Captain assumed control to taxi to the gate. We were cleared to cross 24L; and we were cleared by ground to taxi via E and R and to hold short of C and contact south ground. I had not taxied via this routing from the north side since LAX had re-configured the taxiways; and was expecting the old 'south route.' The Captain and I both referenced our airport diagram; but nevertheless we turned right on Taxiway E-13 which is just west of R. We saw the Taxiway R lighted signs ahead of us; and I thought that we were turning at the correct spot until we finished the turn and realized we were on E-13. Darkness and unfamiliarity with that routing led to the error. We stopped; and Ground Control coordinated with LAX Airport Operations who cleared us to make a 180 turn on E-13; so that we could exit that area and resume our taxi to the gate.
Second reporter narrative
Late runway change from 25L to 24R due to another aircraft with emergency needing priority. Changed FMC and quickie brief on approach and exit plan. Tower directed to clear on forward high speed (denied reverse high speed) and then cleared us across 24L and to ground control frequency. Ground Control cleared us to taxi east on E and south on R; hold short of C. Neither First Officer or I had ever heard of R taxiway and referenced our airport diagram; which we both had displayed and available. Copilot called 'next right' and I agreed. Upon taking the turn; we realized I had turned on E-13 and into a maintenance ramp. We asked Ground Control if we could do a 180 and rejoin E; he said we needed to wait for city operations to clear area. We did; he did; and we executed a 180 and continued with taxi in. Lessons: 1. Construction at LAX has significantly altered landscape of LAX taxiways. Neither First Officer or I had been on the north side of LAX in months. I had not flown in 21 days before this trip. 2. Quickie brief needs to include taxi in plan; if possible. 3. When we both had to reference the airport diagram; I should have stopped the aircraft and made sure where we were and where we were going. Local familiarity only goes so far with so much construction. 4. Strong co-pilot adds to complacency; just a strong student can make the instructor pilot complacent. 5. Stop; ask if questions if not sure. Same old lesson again.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.